Sometimes life takes unexpected and frightening turns reminding us of our vulnerability. On July 1st, 2005, I experienced one of those turns. It began with a mid-day call from a member of our congregation. On the other end, Dr. Mark Hassel asked if he and his wife Jennifer could meet with me because of a serious family crisis. Knowing how busy Mark’s medical practice was, the urgency of his call alarmed me. I couldn’t imagine what had happened. Was it one of their three beautiful children? A personal or marital difficulty? My pastoral mind anxiously raced through scenarios common to my work. I encouraged them to come directly to my office and upon arrival, Dr. and Mrs. Hassel shared the shocking news that Mark was diagnosed with stomach cancer that had metastasized to his liver. We embraced, wept and prayed as we tried to sort out this heartbreaking news. Since that day, we have been in a battle for Mark’s life.
Providentially, on the day of Mark’s diagnosis, I had begun a one month sabbatical offered to me for twenty years of service at our Church. This meant that all my regular responsibilities were distributed to my staff. It also allowed me to be free to hold tightly to the Hassel family at the beginning of a perplexing and difficult trial. Although I had known Mark and Jennifer as their pastor for about 10 years, through this trial, I have come to know them more deeply. I have cherished our many hours together. They have become especially dear to me.
It would be an understatement to say that Mark has suffered courageously. When asked how he’s doing, he responds, “Pretty good shape for the shape I am in!” Actually, Mark kept himself in amazing shape. He was a marathon swimmer and an avid bicycler. I believe he was in such great physical condition that his body didn’t send him messages in keeping with this diagnosis. Sure, he felt some fatigue and an occasional upset stomach, but he was under tremendous pressure with a growing practice, an active family and a major construction project under his care. We were completely shocked to learn of his condition.
Mark’s determination to fight his cancer has been inspiring to many. More importantly, Mark’s other-centered focus in the midst of his suffering has been a great example. He endlessly looks for ways to cheer-up those around him. Jennifer has been a great support to Mark. She has faithfully fought with him in this battle for his life. On Wednesday, June 7th Mark and Jennifer reached their 20th wedding anniversary. Although they spent the day in the hospital, as Mark received chemo- therapy treatment, their love was evident and strong.
Since 1991, Mark had been building a successful medical career specializing in laser and skin cancer surgery. As a derma surgeon, Dr. Hassel is highly respected in the medical community. Mark is on staff at Lancaster General and Lancaster Regional Hospitals. He is also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. On April 15th, 2005, Mark and Jennifer reached a long anticipated accomplishment when they broke ground on a 15,000 square foot surgery center. The center, which they had planned to call, Noll Drive Surgery Center is located on Noll Drive between Rohrerstown Road and Good Drive in East Hempfield Township, Lancaster. In view of Mark’s battle for his life, the Hassels made the difficult decision to sell the center.
On August 17th, 2005, WGAL did a story on Dr. Hassel’s battle with cancer. The story focused on a special web site designed to encourage those who are suffering (caringbridge.org). The site has been a source for many friends and family members to connect with and encourage the Hassels. On this site, Jennifer has provided a heartfelt journal of the challenges they have faced during this difficult trial. Since the site began, it has received approximately 115,000 visits.
In a special journal entry, Mark wrote, “I am accustomed to being the one in charge of caring for others. It has been a growing and humbling experience for me to be on the receiving end from so many, so often. For me, this is perhaps the most difficult adjustment I have had to make. Just the same, it is an absolute delight to watch God work through His people. The love that you all have shown to me and my family is a great gift from God and I am so thankful for His gifts through all of you.”
“My whole life has been rearranged so dramatically that it is many times hard for me to fully comprehend what is happening. Some part of me is in denial, that everything will resolve and I will be back to work soon. That is my desire, yet it is not up to me to determine what will happen. I must rely on God and trust in His plan. I will use every means that God has entrusted me to try to obtain the goal I have set, which is to return to work fully recovered. At the same time, I am fully aware of the outcome statistics for my condition and the limited therapeutic options. Yet God is not limited by anything. If it be His will, I will be made well. If not, I accept his decision.”
“I am thankful that I have the ultimate hope in Jesus Christ. For Christ himself said, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” Who do I believe in? I believe in the authority and power of Jesus Christ.”
Mark’s faith in Jesus Christ is strong and well placed. It is not wishful thinking as some imagine. It is based on irrefutable historical evidence. It is not faith in a religion or a philosophy. It is faith in a living and personal Savior who tasted death for us and opened the way for us to be right with God.
Post Script:
Dr. Mark Hassel entered the presence of our Lord early Thursday morning, January 25, 2007. We will cherish our many memories of him and anticipate our reunion in heaven. Please pray for his wife and children. Remember the Word of our Lord, “To depart and be with Christ is far better” (Philippians 1:23).
Steven W. Cornell
Senior Pastor
Millersville Bible Church